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- Tasks: Engage with the community, support library services, and run fun activities for all ages.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to improving lives and communities.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to inclusivity and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying a dynamic and supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills, IT literacy, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 29500 £ per year.
Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor
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Job Description
Suffolk County Council
Address: Blyburgate, Beccles NR34 9TB – On-site
Salary: £ 25,185 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.
Your Role And Responsibilities
As a Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of your local community, helping people of all ages access the services, support and inspiration that libraries offer.
On a typical day, you might:
- Deliver excellent customer service to a wide range of visitors, including children, families and older adults.
- Support customers with using library services, from borrowing books to navigating digital resources.
- Run and support activities such as children’s story time, crafts and community events.
- Help customers with IT queries, including using mobile devices, email and social media.
- Work closely with volunteers and community groups to raise the library’s profile and deliver outreach services.
- Carry out core library tasks such as shelving, stock management, taking payments and creating displays.
This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.
Based at Beccles Library you will regularly provide cover at the following libraries: Bungay, Lowestoft, Kessingland, Halesworth and Southwold. There is an expectation of travel to other libraries as and when required up to 1:15 minutes travelling distance from your base at Beccles Library. An essential part of this role is weekend working.
You will need
We’re looking for someone who:
- Can deliver great customer service to people of all ages.
- Communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues and the wider community.
- Is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions.
- Is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too.
- Works well as part of a team and is happy to support colleagues.
- Is willing to learn and carry out the full range of library procedures, including shelving, lending, self‑service support, taking payments, stock work, displays and rearranging the library space when needed.
If you’ve worked in a customer‑facing role, enjoy helping people and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
How To Apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
- Tell us about a time you had to explain something complex to someone unfamiliar with the topic. How did you ensure they understood?
- Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to a change in your work environment or responsibilities. How did you handle it?
- Can you share an experience where you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation? How did you maintain professionalism and resolve the issue?
- Describe a time when you had to work alone and manage multiple tasks. How did you prioritise your workload and ensure all responsibilities were met?
Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next stage of selection, contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11:30pm, 15 October 2025
Interview date: 23 October 2025
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments, visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
The team
You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.
Contact – Charmain Osborne – casual conversation. Call 01473 927260 or email Charmain.Osborne@suffolk.gov.uk
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Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library scene in your area! Visit local libraries, chat with staff, and understand their community needs. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Role-play scenarios where you help different types of visitors, from kids to older adults. This will prepare you for real-life situations and demonstrate your readiness to engage with the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current library staff or join local community groups. They can provide insights into the role and might even give you a heads-up about job openings. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships!
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, do it through our website! Make sure to showcase your passion for libraries and community service in your supporting statement. We want to see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really understand what we're looking for. The job description is your roadmap, so make sure you know the key responsibilities and skills we value.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Answer the questions in the supporting statement template thoughtfully. Use real-life examples that showcase your skills and experiences, and don’t forget to keep it under 400 words per question.
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should reflect your unique journey. Make sure to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor. Remember, no personal details are needed, just focus on what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Suffolk County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
✨Know Your Community
As a Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor, you'll be engaging with various communities. Research the areas you'll be covering, like Bungay and Lowestoft, and understand their unique needs. This will help you connect better during the interview and show your commitment to serving those communities.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you helped someone navigate a complex issue or provided support to a diverse range of customers. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a customer-facing role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Prepare to discuss situations where you had to explain something complex or adapt quickly to changes. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your IT Literacy
Since the role involves helping others with IT queries, be prepared to discuss your own tech skills. Share specific examples of how you've used digital resources or social media in previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you're comfortable guiding others in using technology.